Oklahoma is in ‘bad shape’ as flash droughts dry ponds and push wildfire danger higher

A dried-up pond in Edmond offers a stark picture of how severe Oklahoma’s drought has become.

During a legislative committee meeting on Sept. 22, 2026, officials said shrinking water sources, extended dry conditions, and two flash droughts have increased wildfire risk across Oklahoma.

Here’s what to know

Video of the dried basin, shared on TikTok by KOCO 5 News (@koco5news), opened with the observation: “This was a pond. Was a pond. It’s totally dried up now.”

@koco5news

Oklahoma officials say the state is in “bad shape” as a historic drought dries up ponds and fuels even more wildfire risk.

♬ original sound – KOCO 5 News…

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